‘The Simpsons’: Hank Azaria to stop voicing Apu following controversy

By Jill Goldsmith

A man has died in Hong Kong after contracting coronavirus, as the authorities in China continue to see a rise in the number of cases.

Hong Kong on Monday severed nearly all of its land and sea connections with mainland China as part of growing measures in Asia to slow the spread of coronavirus. The move makes it ever more likely that Hong Kong FilMart, the biggest film industry trade market in Asia, will be postponed. A decision is to be taken this week.

An 'owl cafe' is opening in Abu Dhabi, it has been announced, with live owls being present in the venue for guests to pet and interact with. 

Locally-made action comedy “The Grand Grandmaster” emerged on top of the Hong Kong box office during the Lunar New Year holiday. But, hit by the aftermath of political protest and growing precautions against the coronavirus threat, the theatrical business took a steep tumble.

Two of Hong Kong’s major tourist attractions, the Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park theme parks were closed on Sunday in response to the lethal outbreak of coronavirus that began in Wuhan, China. Asian pop superstar Andy Lau also cancelled his scheduled 12 concerts in the territory.

Hong Kong’s government has put the territory on the highest state of emergency in response to the outbreak of coronavirus in mainland China. Schools will remain closed until Feb. 17, long after the Chinese New Year holidays, which begin today, should have finished.

In the more than six months that protest movements have rocked Hong Kong, a whole range of business sectors have become color-coded, as both Beijing-loyal blue elements and yellow pro-democracy forces have weaponized the economy.

In today’s film news roundup, Legion M is launching its Film Scout mobile app, the first round of Oscar presenters are unveiled, Verve is expanding its book-to-screen business, “Gladiator” producer David Franzoni boards an American Indian project, and XYZ announces promotions.

Lin Cheng-sheng (“Betlnut Beauty”), Giddens Ko (“You Are The Apple of My Eye”), Pang Ho-cheung (“Love in a Puff”) and Yeo Siew-hua (“A Land Imagined”) are among the big name Asian directors lining up to participate in the 18th edition of the Hong Kong Asia Film Financing Forum.

Hank Azaria has stepped down from his role as Apu Nahasapeemapetilon in The Simpsons, following the controversy surrounding his portrayal of the Indian shop clerk.

Hank Azaria says he will no longer be voicing the character of Apu, the Indian Kwik-E-Mart owner, on The Simpsons. During a recent media interaction, Azaria revealed that he is officially stepping down as the voice of the controversial character on the popular American animated sitcom.

The Simpsons actor Hank Azaria has said he will no longer be voicing the character of Apu, following years of controversy and accusations of racism.

LOS ANGELES (Variety.com) — Hank Azaria says he is officially stepping down as the voice of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon on The Simpsons.

Hank Azaria is leaving his role as Apu on The Simpsons after voicing the character for over 30 years.